Dietary Protein Quality and Amino Acid Metabolism in Female Fertility: From Ovarian Function to Assisted Reproductive Technologies — A Narrative Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.63.73592

Keywords

dietary protein quality, amino acids, female fertility, oocyte competence, assisted reproductive technology, reproductive nutrition

Abstract

Background: Infertility affects a substantial proportion of adults worldwide, and nutrition is increasingly recognized as a modifiable factor in female reproductive health. While the role of overall diet quality has been widely discussed, the specific contribution of dietary protein quality and amino acid metabolism remains insufficiently understood. Aim: This review aimed to summarize current evidence on the relationship between dietary protein quality, amino acid metabolism, ovarian function, oocyte competence, embryo development, and outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Material and methods: A narrative review of epidemiological, clinical, metabolomic, and mechanistic studies was conducted. Particular attention was given to dietary protein sources, amino acid-dependent metabolic pathways, follicular-fluid amino acid profiles, female fertility outcomes, and ART-related endpoints. Results: Current evidence suggests that protein source and overall dietary quality may be relevant to female fertility. Observational studies indicate that higher intake of plant-derived protein, fish, soy foods, and healthier dietary patterns may be associated with improved fertility or ART outcomes, although findings remain heterogeneous. Mechanistic studies support biologically plausible roles for amino acids in reproductive physiology through pathways involving one-carbon metabolism, nitric oxide synthesis, mTOR signaling, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress regulation, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Conclusions: Available evidence supports a biologically plausible relationship between dietary protein quality, amino acid metabolism, and female reproductive health. However, direct evidence linking established protein quality indices with fertility or ART outcomes remains limited. Further prospective studies and randomized trials are needed.

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2026-07-12

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DANISZEWSKI, Szymon, CZERNY, Izabela, MAREK, Julia, WIŚNIEWSKA, Aleksandra, CUPRIAK, Paweł Jan, CZERNY, Inga, PELC, Jadwiga, RADZIWIŁKO, Julia Maria, CZACHURSKA, Martyna and DUDEK, Paul. Dietary Protein Quality and Amino Acid Metabolism in Female Fertility: From Ovarian Function to Assisted Reproductive Technologies — A Narrative Review. Quality in Sport. Online. 12 July 2026. Vol. 63, p. 73592. [Accessed 25 July 2026]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2026.63.73592.

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Vol. 63 (2026)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Szymon Daniszewski, Izabela Czerny, Julia Marek, Aleksandra Wiśniewska, Paweł Jan Cupriak, Inga Czerny, Jadwiga Pelc, Julia Maria Radziwiłko, Martyna Czachurska, Paul Dudek

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